Position: Programming and Events Specialist
Location: London, ON
Position Type: Full-time, 3 year renewable contract.
Status: This posting is for an existing vacancy.
Hiring Range: $57,594 - $72,018
Application Deadline: Friday, September 25, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST
About Ivey Business School:
We acknowledge that Ivey Business School is located on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee and the Lūnaapéewak, on lands connected with the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum between the Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee and the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796.
With this, we respect the longstanding relationships that Indigenous Nations have to this land, as they are the original caretakers. We acknowledge historical and ongoing injustices that Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) endure in Canada, and we accept responsibility as a public institution to contribute toward revealing and correcting miseducation as well as renewing respectful relationships with Indigenous communities through our teaching, research and community service.
Ivey Business School (www.ivey.ca) at Western University (www.uwo.ca) is Canada’s leading provider of real-world, case-based business education. Drawing on extensive research and business experience, Ivey’s faculty provides the best classroom experience, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and capabilities they need to confidently take on today’s leadership challenges and opportunities through Case-Method Learning. Ivey offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as Executive Education at campuses in London, Toronto, and Hong Kong.
Ivey’s Lawrence National Centre for Policy and Management (LNC) bridges the gap between academia, business, and government to advocate for sound policy. The Centre’s work focuses on policy issues within the pillars of digital, trade, and supporting social infrastructure to unlock Canadian competitive advantage and generate sustained, inclusive growth. The LNC advances this mission through rigorous, evidence-based research, the publication of thought leadership and policy reports, and the convening of senior leaders from industry, government, and academia through roundtables, conferences, and executive dialogues that translate ideas into actionable policy recommendations. The Centre also engages Ivey students and faculty in applied policy work, fostering the next generation of leaders equipped to navigate complex economic and social challenges. In 2027, the LNC will celebrate its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century of shaping Canada’s policy landscape.
Established in April 2016, the Scotiabank Digital Banking Lab studies and understands the implications of digital disruption for banking and financial services, and to prepare students to operate in an environment of changing technology and innovation. The Lab produces applied research, case studies, and industry insights on emerging topics such as fintech, artificial intelligence, open banking, cyber security, and the evolving regulatory landscape while also hosting events that bring together key stakeholders, policymakers and students. Where areas of focus overlap, the Lab works in close collaboration with the LNC to deliver joint research, programming, and convening activities that amplify the impact of both units.
Position Overview:
As the Programming and Events Specialist, you will be at the forefront of the Lawrence National Centre for Policy and Management, contributing to our mission of bridging academia, business and government to advance sound public policy and unlock Canadian competitiveness. In this pivotal role, you will: lead the design, coordination, and execution of a growing portfolio of programming, including roundtables, conferences, speaker series, executive dialogues, and signature events while working collaboratively with the LNC team, the Scotiabank Digital Banking Lab, Ivey Faculty, students, and cross-functional departments across the School to drive stakeholder engagement, elevate the Centre’s public profile, and deliver seamless, high-impact experiences for senior leaders from industry, government, and academia. The Programming and Events Specialist role requires a detail-oriented, resourceful, and collaborative professional ready to make a meaningful impact on the LNC’s continued growth, including its expanded programming slate and the milestone activities planned to mark the Centre’s 25th anniversary in 2027.
Qualifications:
1. Programming, Events and Engagement Coordination
- Lead the end-to-end coordination and execution of the LNC’s programming portfolio, including roundtables, conferences, speaker series, executive dialogues, workshops, and signature events such as those tied to the Centre’s 25th anniversary in 2027.
- Manage event logistics from concept through delivery, including venue selection, vendor management, catering, audio-visual and hybrid/virtual platform setup, run-of-show development, and on-site execution.
- Develop and maintain event project plans, timelines, and budgets, proactively identifying risks and recommending solutions to ensure events are delivered on time, on budget, and to a high standard.
- Coordinate invitation management, registration, RSVP tracking, and guest communications for senior audiences including executives, policymakers, faculty, and academic partners.
- Support speaker and participant engagement, including outreach, briefing materials, travel and accommodation coordination, and day-of hospitality.
- Capture post-event analytics, feedback, and lessons learned to inform continuous improvement of the LNC’s programming.
2. Operations and Administrative Support
- Provide operational support to the LNC team, including coordination, meeting scheduling, agenda preparation, and follow-up on action items for internal and external meetings.
- Process invoices, expense reports, purchase orders, and reimbursements in accordance with Ivey and Western financial policies, and support budget tracking across programming and operational lines.
- Maintain organized digital records, shared drives, contact databases, and mailing lists to support institutional knowledge and continuity.
- Coordinate procurement, office logistics, and vendor onboarding as required for Centre operations.
- Contributed to the drafting and refinement of internal processes, templates, and standard operating procedures to improve team efficiency.
3. Student and Contract Support
- Coordinate the recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, and day-to-day supervision of student research assistants, event volunteers, and work-study students supporting LNC activities.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for student Research Assistants (RA), providing guidance, prioritizing assignments, and ensuring quality and timely completion of deliverables.
- Support the administration of contracts for external contributors, policy fellows, and vendors, including tracking deliverables, timelines, and payments in coordination with the Centre Manager and Ivey’s finance and procurement teams.
- Maintain records of student and contractor engagements to support reporting renewals and audit requirements.
4. Communications and Content Coordination Support
- Coordinate the production and distribution of LNC communications, including newsletters, event promotions, website updates, and social media content, working closely with the LNC’s Policy and Communications Specialist.
- Draft communications materials such as event invitations, speaker bios, program agendas, briefing notes, and post-event summaries, ensuring alignment with the LNC’s voice and Ivey’s brand standards.
- Support the packaging and dissemination of LNC research outputs, policy reports, and thought leadership pieces to key stakeholder audiences.
- Provide support to the LNC and Lab websites, LinkedIn and external facing communication channels.
5. Stakeholder and Team Coordination
- Serve as a professional and responsive point of contact for LNC stakeholders, including senior industry, government, and academic partners, faculty, students, and cross-functional Ivey and Western colleagues.
- Support collaboration with the LNC, Lab and other Ivey research centres on joint programming and initiatives where mandates overlap.
- Contribute to team meetings, planning sessions, and strategic discussions, offering insights drawn from programming, stakeholder, and operational activities.
Education & Experience
- Undergraduate degree or college diploma in a relevant discipline such as business, communications, public administration, political science, hospitality and event management, product coordination or a related filed.
- 2+ years of experience in event coordination, program administration, office administration, project coordination or a related support role.
- Experience in a university, non-profit, public policy, research, advancement, events or professional services environment is an asset.
- Demonstrated experience managing multiple concurrent events or projects from planning through execution, including logistics, vendor coordination, and on-site delivery.
- Familiarity with budget tracking, invoice processing, and standard procurement or financial administration processes.
- Experience working with senior stakeholders (e.g., executives, government officials, faculty, or board level audiences).
- Experience supporting communications activities such as newsletters, social media, website content, or event promotion, is an asset.
- This position requires travel which depends on the number of events or stakeholder engagements organized by the Centre in Toronto or other cities.
Skills & Abilities
- Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with a proven ability to manage competing priorities, meet tight deadlines, and maintain attention to detail across multiple simultaneous initiatives.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in tracking information, maintaining records, preparing materials and following administrative processes.
- Professional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with faculty, students, senior leaders, external partners, vendors and guests.
- Service-oriented approach with sound judgement, tact and discretion when handling confidential or sensitive information.
- Ability to anticipate operational needs, identify gaps and proactively follow up to move tasks forward.
- Comfort working in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities, deadlines, and event-driven peaks.
- Strong collaboration skills and ability to support colleagues, faculty, students and stakeholders.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, shared drives, spreadsheets, databases, calendars, and collaboration tools. Ability to learn University systems and event platforms as required.
- Ability to work occasional evenings or outside regular business hours to support events and programming.
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a small, high-performing team.
- Interest in or awareness of Canadian public policy, business, or economic issues is considered an asset, and genuine curiosity for the LNC’s mission is welcomed.
What We Offer:
- A collaborative and engaging work culture
- Opportunity to join a community of people-focused professionals
- Market competitive compensation with annual increases available
- Generous benefits package with employer-paid premiums, including a comprehensive Health and Dental Plan, Health Care Spending Account, short- and long-term disability programs, no waiting period required.
- Enhanced mental health benefits coverage and resources.
- Life and AD&D insurance for you and your family.
- Out-of-country travel insurance.
- Employee and Family Assistance Program.
- Pregnancy and Parental top-up leave program.
- A generous group retirement savings plan with 7.5% employer contributions.
- Vacation starting at 15 days per year plus 2 paid Ivey Personal Days.
- Paid time off during the School’s December holiday closure.
- Numerous campus-wide arts, culture, and sport events.
- Supports for professional development and career progression opportunities.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Ivey
Ivey Business School is committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Please explore Ivey’s EDI homepage for more information on Ivey's commitment to EDI, to read about Ivey’s progress in the EDI Update, and to meet Ivey’s EDI Advisory Council members.
Ivey Business School invites applications from all qualified individuals. Ivey is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace, and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.
Accommodation
Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Please contact us at [email protected] to notify us of any needs related to completing the job application, and/or throughout the recruitment process.
Artificial Intelligence
AI-supported tools may be used in parts of the selection process to help evaluate applications; however, our HR system itself does not include any AI functionality. All hiring decisions are made by people.
Application:
If you're excited about joining Canada's leading business school and meet the qualifications, please submit your resume and cover letter via the Ivey Careers page by the application deadline.
*Please note only selected candidates will be contacted.
